Dear Derm Authority: Laser Therapy Pre-treatment
Dear Derm Authority,
Today, laser therapy has become one of the most popular skin treatment options worldwide. Laser therapy not only helps reduce signs of aging such as wrinkles and fine lines, but can also be used to treat more specific skin problems such as acne, dark spots, scars, and hyperpigmentation.
However, before you decide to undergo laser therapy, there are a number of things you need to know to prepare yourself properly. Here are some laser therapy pre-treatment tips to keep in mind:
First of all, be sure to consult your dermatologist before undergoing laser therapy. A dermatologist will help determine which type of laser therapy is most suitable for your skin type and skin problems. In addition, a dermatologist can also provide advice on pre-treatment steps that you need to take before laser therapy.
Sun exposure can worsen skin conditions and make laser treatments more difficult. Therefore, be sure to avoid excessive sun exposure for several weeks prior to laser treatment. If you must go outside, use a high SPF sunscreen and wear a hat or umbrella to protect your skin from the sun.
Some skin care products, such as retinoids and salicylic acid, can make your skin more sensitive to laser light. Therefore, you should stop using these products a few weeks before the laser treatment. Be sure to consult your dermatologist about what products to avoid during pre-treatment.
Do not shave or wax the area to be laser treated for several weeks prior to treatment. This is because irritated or damaged skin can make laser treatments more difficult to perform and can also increase the risk of side effects.
Make sure your skin is clean and free of dirt or make up before treatment. This can help maximize the results of laser treatment.
Lastly, make sure to drink lots of water before and after the laser treatment. Water can help keep the skin moist and help the healing process after laser treatment.
So, those are some laser therapy pre-treatment tips that you need to know before getting treatment. Make sure to follow the advice of the dermatologist and prepare well to maximize the results from the laser treatment. Good luck!